Is the meddling mother-in-law to blame for rift between Liam and Cheryl?

THEY have been constantly hounded by split speculation for the last few months. And now sources close to Cheryl, 34, and beau Liam Payne, 24, have revealed that Cheryl’s mother Joan Tweedy has had a part to play in the reported growing rift between the couple.

According to weekend reports, Liam has passed some of the relationship woes on to Joan, who is reportedly spending more time around the couple.

Sources suggested that the former One Direction singer had plans to marry Cheryl early on in their relationship, but his successful music career kept him on the road, and mum Joan swooped in to help Cheryl with their young son Bear.

The insider said: ‘He was very keen to marry Cheryl early on but she wasn’t up for it because of her two failed marriages.

‘Since then he has been on the road, with Joan spending more time at the house.’

In December 2016, Cheryl had to deny that her mum was moving into their Surrey mansion after reports suggested Liam had disagreed with the potential living arrangements.

At the time, a source said: ‘Cheryl and Liam are head over heels in love but it’s fair to say the topic of Joan has caused more than a few heated discussions.’

During Cheryl’s first marriage to footballer Ashley Cole, Joan’s name cropped up again when looking at the breakdown of their relationship.

Meanwhile, sources revealed to The Sun that despite the doting dad persona, Liam appears to be more invested in his music than family life. Sources said: ‘Up until now everyone has assumed it’s Cheryl who has gone cold on the relationship but it’s the other way around.

‘Liam appears more committed to a pop star lifestyle than becoming a real family man.’

The Mail has reached out to representatives of Liam and Cheryl, pictured, for comment.

The couple have been plagued by split rumours since February – with a source telling the Mail they are struggling to find quality time together, as they juggle their busy careers and care for 11-month-old son Bear.

The insider claimed their relationship is ‘strained’, as the former One Direction star is spending nights away from home and touring the world with his solo album, while she looks after their baby son.

Cheryl is thought to be spending much of her time at home on her own with Bear, because she would rather stay in watching TV than go out to showbiz parties. However, the pair attempted to quash the rumours by attending the BRIT Awards together last month, and put on a very cosy display on the red carpet.